Picture tour of Monet's Flower and WaterGarden, Giverny Fr.

Claude Monet was the founder of Impressionist painting. Beginning in the early days, when he went to Paris to visit the Louvre, he observed other Painters copying the old masters, but he choose instead, to paint what he saw outside the windows. Soon he had many young painters following him. His paintings can be seen in many renowned Museums, including the Hermitage and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Monet lived in his house in Giverney from 1883 to his death in 1926. He purchased a small house in this rural area, enlarging it over the years to suit his own needs. The barn, next to the house, became his studio and above it his personal apartment.

After his death, and during the ensuing war years, the property was neglected and became in need of repairs. In 1966, Michel Monet, his son, made the Academi des Beaux-arts his heirs, and in 1977 Gerald Van der Kemp was appointged Curator at Giverny. In 1980, the restored house, flower and water gardens, were opened to the public.

Giverny France was a favorite place for painters at the turn of the 20th century - many of them Americans - the Village and surrounding areas have been painted - many times - by Impressionist Artist - and is a favorite place for art lovers. In the Village there are hotels and Bed and Breakfast places - for those who wish to spend a few days - and as would be expected many "Artists Studios".

All the photos were taken by me on my visit in 2006, in the gardens are -
Weeping Willows, Bamboo, ash trees, poplar, holly, peony, Fern of Kalmia, Raspberry bush, water lily, roses, Apple trees, cherry trees, sycamore, and chestnut trees.

The Gardens and Woodlands were created with archways of climbing plants entwined around colored shrubs. Visitors walk across the bridge, which is a "reproduction of a Japanese Bridge", and is covered in wisteria to get to side of the woodlands and famous lily ponds. This side was the inspirtion for most of Monet's paintings, and his sole focus after 1910.

His paintings are sold in the Gift Shop, in the main house, where I was fortunate to buy a few of the reproductions.

Claude Monet's Home and Gardens in Giverney, is only 75km from Paris, and sits on the right bank of the River Seine where the Epte meets the Seine. The other attractions in the town is the Museum of Impressionism and the Hotel Baudy - which was the center of life in Giverney during the time of Monet, today it is still standing and is used as a Cafe and Restaurant.

Visitors who would like to spend a few days, in this beautiful part of France, will a many hotels and Bed&Breakfast Inns to choose from. A list can be found at http://hotel.giverny.org/

When I visited I choose to take the train, the Vernon station is situated on the main train line between Paris and Rouen which leaves Paris from the Saint-Lazare Station. Train schedules can be found on http://giverny.org/transpor/sncfgb.htm.

It is also easy to get to Giverney by car on the A13 to Rouen, just watch for the signs to exit. Parking is free in Giverney, with a "car Park" near the entrance. The other way is to join a day tour from Paris. which operates everyday - except monday. April 1 to Oct.31.

Monet's Home and Gardens are Open Apr. 1 to Nov. 1; 9:30am tgo 6 pm, and tickets are sold at the individual entrances.

My visit to Giverney was one of the highlights of the time I spend riding the trains all over Europe. I highly recommend it to any one planning on visiting France, or Europe.